Sitcom star Lesley Joseph takes on a wicked role in Annie at Theatre Royal

Lesley Joseph is playing Miss Hannigan in the brand new production of Annie, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday, January 12-16, at the Theatre Royal Brighton.

Spokesperson Rachel Knowles said: “Sales for this favourite family musical have been particularly strong, with an extra matinée added on Wednesday to meet high demand.

Picture by Paul Coltas

“Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

“Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

“Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search.

“With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

“Lesley Joseph is best known for playing Dorien Green in the hugely successful sitcom Birds of a Feather alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded more than 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in Birds of a Feather in 2013, with a second series airing earlier this year.

“Lesley’s theatre credits include Miss Hannigan in Annie at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour. Her other touring credits include Calendar Girls and Hot Flush!”

Lesley is joined by Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Holly Dale Spencer as Grace Farrell, Jonny Fines as Rooster and Djalenga Scott as Lily.